The best bars & nightlife in Independence

11 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 11 places · showing the latest additions first

Modern sports bar with a wide range of wing flavors, plus other pub eats & kids' deals.

2809 Dixie Hwy Ste 6030 (Crestview Hills)

Modern sports bar with a wide range of wing flavors, plus other pub eats & kids' deals.

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Family-owned joint with a laid-back vibe offering American food, TVs & frequent entertainment.

255 Main St (Florence)

Family-owned joint with a laid-back vibe offering American food, TVs & frequent entertainment.

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Chill, sports-focused joint with games on TV, serving beer & American grub like wings & burgers.

479 Orphanage Rd (Fort Wright)

Chill, sports-focused joint with games on TV, serving beer & American grub like wings & burgers.

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Cozy, casual watering hole known for traditional British pub grub & a variety of beers.

2853 Dixie Hwy (Crestview Hills)

Cozy, casual watering hole known for traditional British pub grub & a variety of beers.

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Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas.

1014 Town Dr (Wilder)

Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas.

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If you want a spot to lift one to life, Braxton Brewing Company Union keeps the taps flowing up the road. They’re the beer brewed for Reds…

8901 US-42 (Union)

If you want a spot to lift one to life, Braxton Brewing Company Union keeps the taps flowing up the road. They’re the beer brewed for Reds Country, celebrating 10 years of Braxton history, and the Union location hits that sweet spot for grabbing a fresh pour with friends.

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One of a chain of family-friendly sports bars attracting fans with drink specials & American fare.

402 Licking Pike (Wilder)

One of a chain of family-friendly sports bars attracting fans with drink specials & American fare.

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Eatery & bar serving craft beers, burgers, sushi & pub grub in a lively, contemporary space.

6805 Houston Rd #900 (Florence)

Eatery & bar serving craft beers, burgers, sushi & pub grub in a lively, contemporary space.

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Boone County Distilling Co & Event Center channels its "Made By Ghosts" heritage into True Kentucky Bourbon, with tours, a Single Barrel…

10601 Toebben Dr

Boone County Distilling Co & Event Center channels its "Made By Ghosts" heritage into True Kentucky Bourbon, with tours, a Single Barrel Program, and a lineup from Essentials to limited releases like Tanner’s Curse and Lexington Club. A reliable spot for smooth pours... and yes, for hosting those milestone shindigs.

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Shake up the week at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming, where year-round simulcast horse racing meets nearly 800 HRM machines and 12 electronic…

7500 Turfway Rd (Florence)

Shake up the week at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming, where year-round simulcast horse racing meets nearly 800 HRM machines and 12 electronic table games across non-smoking and smoking areas. Refuel with Serena’s Pizzeria, sip at Churchill’s Bourbon & Brew, and keep an eye out for seasonal live racing and paddock parties.

From the Florence newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Craving a midweek side quest, Florence? Fabled Brew Works brews story-rich beers that are actually great, from an Italian pilsner and…

331 Kenton Lands Rd Ste 300 (Erlanger)

Craving a midweek side quest, Florence? Fabled Brew Works brews story-rich beers that are actually great, from an Italian pilsner and Mexican lager with lime to a coffee-kissed blonde, orange-coriander wit, and hazy NEIPA. Slide in for a pint, stay for the tales.

From the Florence newsletter, August 27, 2026

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